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A huge search of the island was carried out but nothing was found and his disappearance has remained his mystery.

Pat and her husband Norman, 73, put up a 7,000 Euro reward for information about their missing son from Sandbach, Cheshire.

Police were called after the skeleton was discovered by workmen cleaning the well on Thursday.

A disposable camera was next to the body and experts are developing the film for clues about its identity (Steven Cook pictured)

In 2015 Cheshire police issued an image of how Steven might look at the time - aged 30

STEVEN COOK: HOW THE BRITON WENT MISSING IN MALIA IN 2005

Steven Cook went missing in Malia, Crete in 2005 during a night out with friends.

The then 20-year-old was on his first holiday away from parents.

Several sightings of a man of Steven's description by holidaymakers on Crete and nearby island Rhodes in the months after his disappearance convinced his family that he was still alive.

It was thought a blow to the head may have made it difficult for Steven to communicate his whereabouts.

Despite appeals on UK and Greek TV Steven has never been found.

In 2015 the family launched a fresh plea for information to mark the tenth anniversary of his disappearance.

At the time Cheshire police issued an image of how Steven might look in 2015 - aged 30.

Now workmen have discovered a skeleton down a well which is being investigated to see if it is the missing man

The remains were taken to the forensic department of Heraklion University Hospital where the DNA test will be carried out.

Islanders believe it may be Steven because there are very few unsolved missing persons in Crete.

One local said: 'The owner of the well brought in a company to clean the well and empty whatever was at the bottom of it.

'They found a complete human skeleton, a small camera and a leather belt.

'The police and coroner were both called to the scene.'

Locals said the bones were from a man of about average height and there was no signs he had suffered trauma.

Detective inspector Gary McIntyre said: 'Officers are in liaison with the Greek authorities and are awaiting further information over the coming days.

'At this early stage, the remains have been removed and will be examined in Greece to determine whether they belong to a female or a male.

'It is important to remember that this discovery is being managed by the Greek authorities, who have primacy for this, and they will continue to liaise with our Senior Investigating Officer in Steven's case.'